Support Josh Wright's Road to Recovery

Title: Help Josh Wright Heal: A Tennessee Shriner in Need

Dear Friends,

Today, tragedy struck close to home as our dear friend, Josh Wright, experienced a horrific accident. In an unexpected explosion, Josh suffered severe burns across a significant portion of his body. Swiftly, he was rushed to the Wake Forest burn unit, in North Carolina, where he now fights a battle for recovery.

Josh isn't just a friend; he's a pillar of our community, a dedicated Shriner who has tirelessly given of himself to uplift the lives of others. As a visionary member of the newly formed Jericho Temple "Dukes of Drift" in Kingsport, TN, Josh played a pivotal role in launching this exciting parade unit. With a forward-thinking spirit, Josh and his fellow Dukes have already taken strides to make a difference, having recently secured three new motorized drift trikes for use in the upcoming local parades. Although these trikes are yet to arrive, slated for delivery in three months, the unit's mission remains clear: to spread joy and laughter throughout our community, touching the hearts of children and parents alike at every parade.

Through his selfless dedication to our local Shriner Children's hospitals, he has touched countless hearts, bringing hope and healing to those in need.

Now, it's our turn to extend that same compassion and support back to Josh and his family. His injuries, ranging from first to third-degree burns, will demand extensive medical care and treatment. As he faces a long and arduous road to recovery, the financial burden of medical bills looms large over his family.

But Josh's journey with the Shriner Children's hospitals runs even deeper. As a child, he was once a patient himself, benefiting from the exceptional care and compassion of this remarkable institution. Today, as fate would have it, he finds himself once again in need, this time as a recipient of the care he once relied on.

Josh's wife, Valerie, stands by his side, her unwavering love and strength a beacon of hope in these trying times. Together, they confront the challenges ahead with resilience and determination, but they cannot face them alone.

This is where we come in. As a community bound by compassion and unity, let us rally behind Josh and his family. Let us ease their burden by contributing what we can to alleviate the overwhelming cost of medical expenses.

Every donation, no matter the size, is a lifeline of support for Josh and his family. It's a gesture of love, solidarity, and gratitude for all that Josh has done for others. Together, we can help him heal, ensuring that he can soon return to his loved ones and continue his invaluable work in our community.

Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and your unwavering support in this time of need. And most of all, please send your prayer and healing thoughts to this outstanding American and community servant.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Dukes of Drift

Jericho Temple - Shriners International

Kingsport, TN

Update: The doctors and medical staff at Wake Forest are fantastic. Thankfully, none of the burns were determined to be 3rd degree. Josh is out of ICU but will remain and in the burn unit for the rest of the week as they tend and monitor his injuries. He is in good spirits and thanks everyone for their prayers.

Update from Valerie today: *UPDATE #2* Josh was moved to the regular burn unit yesterday afternoon. He is doing well. We both were able to get some sleep last night thankfully. Not as many interruptions as the night before. He’s doing therapy, both PT and OT. The left arm is their concern. He was burned up and around the whole arm. He looks like a mummy all wrapped up in his bandages. Swelling in his face has gone down some. I’d again like to thank everyone for their prayers, positive thought and good vibes. Our Shrine family is amazingly supportive and we are so thankful to have you all in our lives. Our family has been amazing as well. We are truly blessed and loved. Keep those prayers coming ❤️.

*UPDATE #1* Josh is doing well. He will be moved from the Burn ICU to the burn unit. He will continue to have his burns cleaned and dressed and re-evaluated daily. They think it wi be at least a week that he will stay here. Thank you for all the prayers, messages, texts, and phone calls. I appreciate all of the love and support and Josh definitely does too.

Hi everyone! I just wanted to take a moment and let you all know that Josh had an accident today at home. He was working on a grill/cooker when there was a fire ball and he was burned. He has second degree burns. He will be in the burn icu for a bit. He is awake, in good spirits, minimal pain. They will be taking him back to debride his burns and dress them. We thank everyone for their concern and prayers. Thank you to our Jericho Shrine family. You have all been amazing. We are truly blessed to have the family and friends we have in our life. I will update when I have news. Please keep him in your prayers.